Toronto of Old Part 50

Again, the mode in which the first Lake steamers were made to near the landing-place in the olden time, was something which would fill a modern steamboat captain with amazement. Accustomed as we are every day to see huge steamers guided without any ado straight up to the margin of a quay or pier, the process of putting in seems a simple affair. Not so was it, however, in practice to the first managers of steamboats. When the _Frontenac_ or _William IV._ was about to approach the wharf at York, the vessel was brought to a standstill some way out in the harbour. From near the fore and after gangways boats were then lowered, bearing hawsers; and by means of these, when duly landed, the vessel was solemnly drawn to sh.o.r.e. An agitated mult.i.tude usually witnessed the operation.

In the _Gazette_ of July 20, 1820, we have the information that "on Sat.u.r.day evening, a schooner of about sixty tons, built for Mr. Oates and others, was launched in this port (York). She went off," the _Gazette_ says, "in very fine style, until she reached the water, where, from some defect in her ways, her progress was checked; and from the lateness of the hour, she could not be freed from the impediment before the next morning, when she glided into the Bay in safety. Those who are judges say that it is a very fine vessel of, the cla.s.s. It is now several years," continues the _Gazette_, "since any launch has been here; it therefore, though so small a vessel, attracted a good deal of curiosity." This was the _Duke of Richmond_ packet, afterwards a favourite on the route between York and Niagara. The _Gazette_ describes the _Richmond_ somewhat incorrectly as a schooner, and likewise understates the tonnage. She was a sloop of the Revenue cutter build, and her burthen was about one hundred tons. Of Mr. Oates we have had occasion to speak in our perambulation of King Street.

In an _Observer_ of 1820, we have the first advertis.e.m.e.nt of the _Richmond_. It reads thus: "The _Richmond_ Packet, Edward Oates, commander, will commence running between the Ports of York and Niagara on Monday, the 24th instant (July), as a regular Packet. She will leave York on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at 9 o'clock a.m., precisely; and Niagara on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sat.u.r.days, at 10 a.m., to the 24th of September, when the hour of departure will be made known to the Public. The _Richmond_ has excellent accommodations for Ladies, Gentlemen and other Pa.s.sengers, and nothing will be omitted to make her one of the completest and safest pa.s.sage vessels of the cla.s.s in America, being manned with experienced mariners. Rates of pa.s.sage: After Cabin, 10s.; Fore Cabin, 6s. 3d. Children under twelve years, half-price. Sixty pounds baggage allowed to each pa.s.senger; above that weight, 9d. per cwt., or 2s. per barrel bulk. For freight or pa.s.sage apply to John Crooks, Esq., Niagara; the Captain on board; or at the Subscriber's store. Ed. Oates, York, July 17, 1820."

Captain Vava.s.sour, commandant at Fort George, presented Capt. Oates with a gun and a set of colours. The former used to announce to the people of York the arrival and departure of the _Richmond_; and a striped signal-flag found among the latter, was hoisted at the Lighthouse on Gibraltar Point whenever the _Richmond_ Packet hove in sight. (For a considerable period, all vessels were signalized by a flag flying from the Lighthouse.)

Two years later, the _Richmond_ is prospering on the route between York and Niagara. In the _Gazette_ of June 7th, 1822, we have an advertis.e.m.e.nt of tenor similar to the one given above. "_Richmond_ Packet, Edward Oates, master, will regularly leave York for Niagara on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Niagara for York on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sat.u.r.days, from the 1st of June until the 1st of September." The advertis.e.m.e.nt then goes on to say: "Edward Oates respectfully informs his friends and the Public, that his Packet shall leave York and Niagara on the above days, either in the morning or evening, as the wind and pa.s.sengers may suit; and that pa.s.sengers may depend on a pa.s.sage on the above days. The superiority of sailing and accommodation for ladies and gentlemen are too well known to the public to make any comment upon. York, June 1st, 1822." By the following year, however, the _Richmond's_ occupation was coming to an end. Steam on the route between York and Niagara had its effect. From the _Gazette_ of Jan. 16, 1823, we learn that Mr. Oates is about to dispose of his interest in the _Richmond_; is virtually about to sell the vessel. In the paper just named we read the following advertis.e.m.e.nt: "Auction.

Fifty Shares, or three-quarters and two sixty-fourths of that superior vessel the _Richmond_ Packet, will positively be sold by auction, at the Town of York, on Sat.u.r.day, the 25th instant, together with all her tackle, apparel, stores and furniture; an inventory of which may be seen on application to R. Coleman, Esq., York; Mr. Edward Oates, Niagara.

N.B.--Terms of sale: one-third down; the remainder in two equal payments at three and six months, with approved endorsers. York, Jan. 6, 1823."

In a _Gazette_ of this year we have a pleasure boat offered for sale at York, apparently a bargain. In the number for May 15, 1823, is the following advertis.e.m.e.nt: "Pleasure-boat to be sold: built of oak, an extremely fast sailer, and in every respect a complete vessel of the kind. It is rigged with jib, foresail, mainsail, and driver. Original cost, upwards of forty guineas (and not more than four years old). It will now be sold, with everything belonging to it, at the low price of fifteen pounds currency. Enquire at the _Gazette_ Office, York. 7th May, 1823."

As the _Richmond_ Packet filled an important place in the early marine of the harbour, it will be of interest to mention her ultimate fate.

While engaged, in 1826, in conveying a cargo of salt from Oswego, she was wrecked near Brighton, on the bay of Presqu'isle, towards the eastern part of Lake Ontario. The Captain, no longer Mr. Oates, losing his presence of mind in a gale of wind, cut the cable of his vessel and ran her ash.o.r.e. The remains of the wreck, after being purchased by Messrs. Willman, Bailey and Co., were taken to Wellington, on the south side of the peninsula of Prince Edward county, where the cannon which had ornamented the deck of the defunct packet, and had for so many years daily made the harbour of York resound with its detonations, did duty in firing salutes on royal birthdays and other public occasions up to 1866, when, being overcharged, it burst, the fragments scattering themselves far and wide in the waters round the wharf at Wellington.

Just as the _Richmond_ disappears, another favourite vessel, for some years distinguished in the annals of York harbour, and commanded by a man of note, comes into the field of view. "The new steamer _Canada_,"

says the _Loyalist_ of June 3, 1826, "was towed into port this week by the _Toronto_, from the mouth of the river Rouge, where she was built during the last winter. She will be shortly fitted up for her intended route, which, we understand, will be from York and Niagara round the head of the Lake, and will add another to the increasing facilities of conveyance in Upper Canada." The _Loyalist_ then adds: "Six steamboats now navigate the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario, in this Province, besides the _Canada_, and a boat nearly ready for launching at Brockville." We shall presently hear much of the career of the _Canada_ and her commander.

The _Toronto_ (Capt. Shaw), named above as towing the _Canada_ into the harbour, was a steam-packet of peculiar make, built at York. She was constructed without any difference of shape at the bow and stern, and without ribs. She was a sh.e.l.l of successive layers of rather thin boards placed alternately lengthwise and athwart, with coatings, between, of stout brown paper pitched. She proved a failure as a vessel for the Lake traffic, and was speedily taken down the river, where she was also unfortunate. We hear of her in the _Loyalist_ of June 17, 1826. "By a letter," the Editor says, "received from Kingston we are sorry to hear that the steamboat _Toronto_, on her first trip from that place to Prescott, had unfortunately got aground several times, and that in consequence it had been found necessary to haul her out of the water at Brockville, to be repaired. The damage is stated not to be very great, but the delay, besides occasioning inconvenience, must be attended with some loss to the proprietors." The Editor then adds: "The navigation of the St Lawrence, for steamboats, between Kingston and Prescott, is in many places extremely difficult, and requires that the most skilful and experienced pilots should be employed." In the same number of the _Loyalist_ is an advertis.e.m.e.nt of the _Martha Ogden_, a United States boat. "Notice. The steamboat _Martha Ogden_, Andrew Estes, master, will ply between York and Youngstown during the remainder of the season, making a daily trip from each place, Sat.u.r.days excepted, when she will cross but once. Hours of sailing, 6 o'clock in the morning and 3 o'clock in the afternoon. To accommodate the public, her hours of departure from each place will be changed alternately every week, of which notice will be regularly given. This arrangement will continue in effect, weather permitting, until further notice is given. Pa.s.sengers wis.h.i.+ng to cross the river Niagara will be sent over in the ferry-boat free of charge.

Cabin pa.s.sage, two dollars. Deck pa.s.sage, one dollar. Agents at York, Messrs. M. and R. Meighan. June 13, 1826."

The _Frontenac_ is still plying to York. In 1826 she brings up the Lieut.-Governor, Sir Peregrine Maitland, from Kingston. The _Loyalist_ of Sat.u.r.day, June 3, 1826, duly makes the announcement. "His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor arrived here (York) on Wednesday afternoon, on board the _Frontenac_, Capt. McKenzie, from Kingston. His Excellency landed at the King's Wharf under a salute from the Garrison. Major Hillier and Captain Maitland accompanied his Excellency. On Thursday morning, his Excellency embarked on board the _Frontenac_ for Niagara."

The following week she brings over from Niagara Col. McGregor and the 70th Regiment. The _Loyalist_ of June 10, 1826, thus speaks. "We have much pleasure in announcing the arrival in this place of the Head Quarter Division of the 70th Regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Col.

McGregor. They landed from the steamboat _Frontenac_ yesterday morning, and marched into the York Garrison." The _Loyalist_ then proceeds to eulogize the 70th, and to express satisfaction at the removal of that regiment to York. "The distinguished character of this fine regiment, and the honourable testimony which has been given of their uniformly correct and praiseworthy conduct, wherever they have been stationed, affords the most perfect a.s.surance that from the esteem in which they have so deservedly been held, during a period of more than thirteen years' service in Canada, their stay at this Garrison will be rendered highly satisfactory to the inhabitants, and, we should hope, pleasant to themselves." It was on this occasion that many of the inhabitants of York beheld for the first time the impressive sight of a Highland regiment, wearing the kilt and the lofty plumed cap. A full military band, too, which accompanies only Head Quarter Divisions, was a novelty at York; as previous to this year Niagara, and not York, was regarded as Military head quarters. The Pipers increased the excitement. The band of the 70th displayed, moreover, at this period further accessories of pomp and circ.u.mstance in the shape of negro cymbal players, and a magnificent oriental-looking standard of swaying tails surmounted by a huge glittering crescent bearing small bells.

In the down-trip from York, the same week, the _Frontenac_ took away a detachment of the 76th Regiment. "The detachment of the 76th Regiment,"

the _Loyalist_ of June 10 reports, "under command of Lieut. Grubbe, embarked on board the _Frontenac_ yesterday, on its destination to join the regiment at Montreal. Lieut. Grubbe takes with him," the Editor of the _Loyalist_ says, "the cordial regard of the inhabitants of York; and the exemplary conduct of the detachment under his command has been such as to merit from them their best wishes for their future prosperity."--During the same week the steamer _Queenston_ had arrived at York, as we learn from the following item in the same _Loyalist_ of June 10: "The Rev. Mr. Hudson, Military Chaplain, who accompanied the Lord Bishop from England, arrived here in the _Queenston_ on Tuesday last. Mr. Hudson is appointed Chaplain to the Garrison at York." (In August, 1828, Mr. Hudson must have been in England. We read the following in the _Loyalist_ of Oct. 11, in that year:--"Married, on the 12th of August last, at Crosby-on-Elden, c.u.mberland, by the Rev. S.

Hudson, B.A., the Rev. J. Hudson, M.A., Fellow of St. Peter's College, Cambridge, and Chaplain to the Forces at York, in Upper Canada, to Barbara Wells, second daughter of the Rev. Thomas Lowry, D.D.") In the _Loyalist_ of July 29, in this year (1826), we hear of "the new steamer _Niagara_, built at Prescott, John Mosier, captain." This new steamer _Niagara_ was in reality Capt. Mosier's schooner _The Union of Wellington Grove_, turned into a steamer. Some error had been committed in the build of the _Union_, and she suddenly capsized in the river near Prescott. Capt. Mosier then cut her in two, added to her length thirty feet by an insertion, and converted her into the _Niagara_ steam-packet.

Her arrival at York is announced in the _Loyalist_ of July 29, and her return thither from Niagara with American tourists on board. The _Loyalist_ says: "The new steamboat _Niagara_, built at Prescott, John Mosier, captain, arrived here (York) on Monday last, the 24th instant.

She proceeded the same day to Niagara, and returned on Tuesday afternoon, with a number of American ladies and gentlemen making the Northern tour. This arrangement," continues the _Loyalist_, "of visiting York twice on the route round the Lake will be continued, we hope, as the number of persons travelling at this season of the year, having an opportunity of seeing York, will tend to enliven the town. The _Niagara_" it is added, "is a handsome and well-built boat, with a powerful engine, and most excellent accommodation for travellers." A _Loyalist_ of the following month (the number for Aug, 12, 1826) reports the _Niagara_ as bearing another kind of freight. She has on board, for one thing, 60 hogsheads of tobacco. "The steamboat _Niagara_, Capt.

Mosier, arrived in port on Monday last from Prescott _via_ Niagara. On going on board," says the Editor of the _Loyalist_, "it afforded us much pleasure to find that her cargo consisted in part of sixty hogsheads of Leaf Tobacco for the Montreal market, the produce of the western part of the Province. The cultivation of this article of consumption," continues the _Loyalist_, "is attracting the attention of the farmers in the Western District, and a large quant.i.ty of it will be offered in the market this year. The next season it will be very much increased. The soil and climate of that part of the Province is represented as being well adapted to the growth of the tobacco plant, and the enterprise which is exhibited to secure the advantages thus held out, gives fair promise that the article will before long be added to the list of the staple productions of our country, and afford not only a sufficient supply for home consumption, but also form an important item in the schedule of Canadian exports."

In the same number of the _Loyalist_ we hear again of Capt. Richardson's new steamboat, the _Canada_. We read of her first pa.s.sage across from York to Niagara, thus: "The new steamboat _Canada_, Capt. Richardson, made her first trip to Niagara on Monday last, and went out of the harbour in fine style. Her appearance reflects much credit on her builder, Mr. Joseph Dennis; and the machinery, manufactured by Messrs.

Wards of Montreal, is a specimen of superior workmans.h.i.+p. The combined excellence of the model and machinery of this boat is such," says the _Loyalist_, "as will render her what is usually termed 'a fast boat.'

The trip to Niagara was performed in four hours and some minutes. Her present route, we observe, is advertised from York to Niagara and the Head of the Lake. In noticing this first trip of another steamboat,"

continues the _Loyalist_, "we cannot help contrasting the present means of conveyance with those ten years ago. At that time only a few schooners navigated the Lake, and the pa.s.sage was attended with many delays and much inconvenience. Now there are five steamboats, all affording excellent accommodation, and the means of expeditious travelling. The routes of each are so arranged that almost every day of the week the traveller may find opportunities of being conveyed from one extremity of the Lake to the other in a few hours. The _Niagara_ and _Queenston_ from Prescott, and the _Frontenac_ from Kingston once a week, and the _Canada_ and _Martha Ogden_ between York and Niagara and the Head of the Lake every day, afford facilities of communication which the most sanguine could scarcely have antic.i.p.ated at the period we speak of. Independent of these boats, it must be mentioned that the _Cornwall_ on Lake St. Louis makes a trip every day from Coteau du Lac to Cornwall; the _Dalhousie_ runs between Prescott and Kingston twice a week and conveys the mail; the _Charlotte_ and _Toronto_ once a week from Prescott to the Head of the Bay of Quinte; thus affording to every part of the country the same advantages of convenient intercourse. These are some of the evidences of improvement among us during the last few years which require no comment. They speak for themselves, and it must be pretty evident from such facts as these, that those who cannot, or will not, see the progress we are making, must be wilfully blind." (The closing remark was of course for the benefit of contemporary editors at York and elsewhere, who, from their political view of things, gave their readers the impression that Canada was a doomed country, going rapidly to perdition.)

From the _Loyalist_ of Aug. 19, 1826, we learn that "the steamboat _Niagara_, on her trip from York to Kingston, had her machinery injured, and has put back into Bath to repair." In the same number of the _Loyalist_, we are told that the proprietor of the _Frontenac_ had fractured his leg. "We regret to hear," the _Loyalist_ says, "that an accident happened last week to John Hamilton, Esq., the proprietor of the steamboat _Frontenac_. In stepping out of a carriage at the Falls, he unfortunately broke his leg." In a _Loyalist_ of the following month (Sept. 2, 1826), we hear again of Sir Peregrine Maitland's movements in the _Frontenac_. The _Loyalist_ says: "His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and suite arrived in town (York) from Kingston yesterday morning, on board the _Frontenac_, and after remaining a few hours, proceeded to Stamford." The next _Loyalist_ (Sep. 9, 1826) speaks of an expeditious trip made by Capt. Mosier's _Niagara_. "The Steamboat _Niagara_, Capt. Mosier, made," it says, "her trip last week, from York to Prescott, and back again, in something less than four days, touching at the ports of Kingston, Gananoque and Brockville, going and returning, independent of the usual delay at Prescott. The distance is nearly five hundred miles."

From the _Loyalist_ of Sept. 30, 1826, we hear of the steamboat _Queenston_, Capt. Whitney. A notice appears that "The steamboat _Queenston_, Capt. W. Whitney, will, during the remainder of the season, leave Niagara for Kingston and Prescott every Thursday at eight o'clock a.m., instead of 10 o'clock as heretofore. Queenston, Sept. 8, 1826."

From a number of the _Loyalist_ in the following month (Oct. 7, 1826), we gather that an accident, which might have been very disastrous, had happened to the _Queenston_. "With pleasure," the Editor says, "we state that the steamboat _Queenston_ arrived here (York) on Thursday last, without having sustained any serious injury in consequence of the late accident which happened by her getting aground near Kingston. The apprehensions which were entertained for the safety of this fine boat are therefore happily removed. After getting off she returned to Prescott, where the necessary repairs were immediately made, and brought up several pa.s.sengers and a full cargo."

A communication from Hugh Richardson, Captain of the _Canada_, appears in the _Loyalist_ of Oct. 14, 1826. A pa.s.senger has leaped overboard from his vessel and been drowned. "To the Editor of the _U. E.

Loyalist_. Sir,--On Friday evening a pa.s.senger on board the _Canada_, on her way from Burlington Beach to Niagara, was seen by the man at the helm to jump overboard. On the alarm being given, in an instant the sails were in, engine stopped, and boat lowered, into which I jumped with two hands, and rowed a quarter of a mile in our wake, but, I am sorry to say, without success. On returning aboard, his hat was found, as if deliberately placed near the gangway whence he jumped. The hat is a new white one, and beside the maker's name is written 'Joseph Jewell Claridge, Jersey City.' The hat contained a new red and yellow silk handkerchief, a pair of white cotton gloves, and three-quarters of a dollar in silver. He was a good-looking young man, well dressed, in blue coat, yellow waistcoat, black or blue pantaloons and boots. He had neither bundle nor luggage, and came on board at Burlington Beach. I am inclined to think from all appearances, and the trifle of money left in the hat, that distressed circ.u.mstances had pourtrayed, in a too sensitive mind, insurmountable evils, producing temporary derangement, during which the barriers of nature were broken down; and he rushed in frenzy before his Maker. Perhaps by your kindly inserting this it may meet the eye of some relation or friend, to whom, on application, the little articles he left will be restored. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, Hugh Richardson. York, Oct. 3, 1826." (We shall have other communications of Capt. Richardson's brought under our notice shortly.

They are always marked by vigour; and are now and then pleasantly racy of the profession to which the writer belonged.)

The _Loyalist_ of Nov. 11, 1826, notices a second accident which has befallen Captain Mosier's vessel. It says: "The steamer _Niagara_, on her way from Prescott last week, unfortunately struck on a reef of rocks off Poplar Point, about fifty miles from Kingston, where, at the latest dates, she was lying on her beam ends, in about five feet of water. The _Queenston_ brought her pa.s.sengers up," it is added, "on Sat.u.r.day last; and we are informed that, owing to the exertions of Capt. Mosier, the greater part of her cargo has been forwarded to York. Yesterday a person who came from the _Niagara_, stated that she had received no damage from the late gales of wind, and as she has weathered these, we sincerely hope that she may be got off without much difficulty or injury." In the next number it is noted that "at the latest dates the steamboat _Niagara_ was still aground. The greatest exertions are making by Capt.

Mosier to get her off. The weather has been tempestuous; but we are happy to hear that the _Niagara_ has not received any material injury."

In this number is a notice that "a meeting of the stockholders of the Steampacket _Canada_ will be held at York, on board of the Boat, on Monday, the 4th of December, at 12 o'clock. By order of the Committee of Management. J. W. Gamble, Treasurer, York, 15th Nov., 1826."--One result of the meeting thus advertised is an address to the stockholders from Capt. Richardson, which appears in the _Loyalist_ of Dec. 9. The Captain is plainly uneasy in view of the possibility of the majority deciding that he shall not be in the sole charge and management of the _Canada_ in the ensuing year. He announces his intention to visit England during the winter, for the purpose of raising funds among his friends which may enable him to buy out the few persons who are a.s.sociated with him in the owners.h.i.+p of the boat. "Gentlemen," he says, "it having been decided at a Meeting of the Stockholders, held on board the _Canada_, that I should be invested with the sole charge and management of the boat the ensuing year, unless at a Meeting to be held the first Monday in March, other arrangements take place, I seize this opportunity, on the eve of my departure for England, to a.s.sure the Stockholders that I have made every arrangement for the safety of the boat and the necessary repairs.

And at the same time I respectfully submit to them the ostensible motive of my voyage. Gentlemen, I am so deeply embarked in the speculation I have entered into, that the prospect of the stock depreciating, and of the boat's services and my own labours being rendered abortive in so lucrative a ferry as that betwixt York and Niagara, mainly by a plurality of the management, fills me with dismay. And, as I trust I am ent.i.tled to the confidence the Stockholders generally placed in my abilities, and am convinced that unless the power of management be invested in one person to act with all his energies in the scene of profits, to seize the advantages of market in the economy of the outlay with the discretion of a sole owner, loss and ruin to myself must ensue.

With this view of the subject I embark for England to endeavour to raise funds and relieve those gentlemen who are averse to my management, and to take up the remainder of the stock, that they who so kindly confided in my a.s.surances of individual profit, and placed implicit reliance in my integrity and abilities, may not be disappointed in their fair expectations. Confident that I possess the hearty wishes of success from many valuable patrons, in taking leave, I am happy to subscribe myself, Gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, Hugh Richardson. York, Dec. 6, 1826."

By the 24th of March in the following year (1827) he is back again in York. In the _Loyalist_ of the date just given is a second address to the stockholders, preparatory to the meeting which is to take place on the 2nd of April. He recounts his proceedings in England, and urges again his own appointment as sole manager of the _Canada_. As ill.u.s.trative of the anxieties attendant at an early period, and at all periods, on individual personal enterprise, insufficiently supported, the doc.u.ment possesses an interest.

"To the Stockholders in the _Canada_ Steamboat. Gentlemen, it must be fresh in the memory of you all that I am the original projector of the _Canada_; that my abilities, in whatever light they may be viewed, were wholly employed in planning, constructing and fitting her out. Facts have already proved that I led no one astray by false theories in her construction; and her engine is upon the model of the very best now generally in use in England. I have been all along by far the largest shareholder, and nearly the whole of the shares were taken up by gentlemen upon my personal solicitations, in doing which I did not fear, in the strongest language I was master of, to pledge the success of the undertaking, not only on the prospect of the lucrative ferry, but also upon the faith of my own personal exertions. Then do I infer too much by saying that a friendly disposition towards me, a confidence in my abilities and my integrity (with very few exceptions), was the basis upon which I met with such general patronage? However, after a certain period it was no longer possible to raise sufficient stock to complete the vessel; the expedient of borrowing was resorted to, and a debt of 1,200 contracted with the Bank. Upon this the boat commenced her operations, and ran from the 7th of August, a period of 98 days; during which time, Gentlemen, I look upon it as a matter of congratulation that at her very first starting, having an American boat to oppose her, the proceeds of the _Canada_ not only paid her current expenses, but also a sum of upwards of 200 in extraordinary outfit, including 40 insurance on money borrowed, also the interest thereon; 50 nearly for replacing her wheels repeatedly destroyed, and considerable repairs. I see nothing but what is most flattering in this her first outset. Thus it would have appeared had I made my report: and had I done it in the most favourable light, I should have thought, as one of the guardians of the property entrusted to my charge, that I was only fulfilling a duty I owed the Stockholders when I enhanced, rather than depreciated, its value. At the end of the season, from disappointments and expenses in collecting the amount of the shares taken up, there was found still wanting a sum of 400; and at the last general meeting this further sum was borrowed, hampering the boat with a debt of 1,000. At this crisis, at a very great personal expense, and at a greater sacrifice of domestic comfort, I set out for England to trespa.s.s upon my own immediate friends; and now return prepared to relieve the embarra.s.sments of the boat, and am willing, in the face of representations that went to disparage the stock, to invest a much larger capital in the _Canada_; in doing which I confer a benefit upon the whole, and trust I give further proof of the sincerity of my professions, when I undertook the arduous task of getting up a Steamboat. But, Gentlemen, things have not gone as I wished, or as I intended; and, perhaps, I am the only person who will have property invested in this vessel to such an amount as to make it of vital importance that success should attend the adventure. Therefore, upon this ground, upon the ground of my being the projector of this vessel, upon the responsibility of my situation as Master, ostensible agent, and possessing owner, I most earnestly solicit your particular support to my appointment as managing owner of this vessel; and to that effect may I again solicit the most general attendance of the Stockholders at the meeting to be held on board the _Canada_ the second of April. I am, Gentlemen, your very obedient and very humble servant, Hugh Richardson. York, 24th March, 1827."

It is to be supposed that Capt. Richardson's views were adopted at the meeting.

In the _Loyalist_ for May 5, 1827, we have him subscribing himself "Managing Owner," to the following notice: "The _Canada_ British Steam-Packet, Capt. Hugh Richardson, leaves Niagara daily for York at 7 o'clock in the morning, and starts from York for Niagara every day at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The _Canada_ crosses the Lake in the short s.p.a.ce of four hours and a half, and affords travellers arriving at the Falls an expeditious and convenient opportunity of visiting the Capital of Upper Canada. Fare: Cabin pa.s.sage, two dollars; Deck and Fore Cabin, one dollar. Pa.s.sengers returning immediately with the boat will only pay half the above prices for the return. Hugh Richardson, Managing Owner.

York, April 21, 1827."

In 1827 Capt. Richardson was the recipient of an honorary present of a Key Bugle. In the _Loyalist_ of June 30, '27, we read the following card:--"Mr. Richardson takes this opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of a Key Bugle from the young gentlemen of York, accompanied by a letter expressive of their esteem and approbation of his conduct in the management of the _Canada_. In returning his sincere thanks for the above mark of their valued esteem and the high compliment paid him in the accompanying letter, he must look upon the warm and friendly colouring which they have been pleased to give to his conduct, as a picture drawn by the free and generous hand of youth, rather to emulate, than having semblance to the original. Nevertheless, his aim has ever been, and ever will be, to do credit to those who placed him where he is, and to support the character of a British seaman. York, 30th June, 1827."

From a preceding number of the _Loyalist_ in this year we learn that on the 20th of April the mate of the _Canada_ was accidentally drowned. The paper just mentioned says:--"George Reid, mate of the Steamboat _Canada_, was last night drowned by falling from the plank leading from the wharf to the vessel. It is painful to hear that the unfortunate man leaves a wife and five children to deplore his sudden loss."

The _Loyalist_ of the 7th of that month says: "His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and family left York for Stamford on Wednesday morning last, on board the Steamboat _Queenston_. His Excellency's departure was announced by a salute from the Garrison."

On May the 12th the _Queenston_ has returned from Niagara, and meets with a casualty at York. The _Loyalist_ of the 19th says: "The Steamboat _Queenston_ met with an accident while lying at the wharf here on Sat.u.r.day last. In raising the steam before proceeding to Niagara, the boiler was partially burst. The accident was not attended with any serious consequences. The _Queenston_ was delayed until the following Thursday in making the necessary repairs, before she proceeded on her voyage."

In June this year (1827) the _Niagara_ has been removed from the spot where she was run ash.o.r.e last year, and is undergoing repairs at Kingston. In the _Loyalist_ of June 16, 1827, we read: "We are happy to hear that the Steamboat _Niagara_ has been got off the rocks near Long Point, and that she is now lying in the harbour at Kingston, undergoing repairs. She is stated to have received but little damage; and it was expected that in the course of a month she would commence her regular trips across the Lake."

In the _Loyalist_ of May 26, 1827, we hear once more of the _Frontenac_.

She is laid up, we are told, and a steamer to succeed her is to be built: "We are happy to hear," the _Loyalist_ says, "that Captain McKenzie, late in command of the _Frontenac_ (now laid up), has made arrangements for building a new boat, to be propelled by an engine of greater power than that of any other now navigating the Lake. The acknowledged ability of Capt. McKenzie while in command of the _Frontenac_, the regularity with which her trips were performed, and the attention he at all times bestowed to the comfort and convenience of his pa.s.sengers, induce us to hope that the undertaking he has commenced will be speedily carried into effect."

In the _Loyalist_ of June 9th, 1827, the _Frontenac_ is offered for sale by auction at Kingston. In the advertis.e.m.e.nt, the historical machinists Boulton & Watt are named as the makers of her engine: "By Public Auction. Will be sold on Monday, the second of July next, at Kingston, as she now lays (_sic_) at the wharf, the Steamboat _Frontenac_, with her anchors, chain-cables, rigging, &c. Also the engine, of 50 horse power, manufactured by Messrs. Watt & Boulton. Sale to commence at 10 o'clock a.m., on board. For any further information application to made to Mr. Strange, Kingston, or to John Hamilton, Queenston. June 1, 1827."

Possibly no sale was effected, for we learn from the _Loyalist_ of Sept.

1 that the _Frontenac_ was to be removed to Niagara by Mr. Hamilton. The _Loyalist_ copies from the Upper Canada _Herald_, published at Kingston, the following paragraph: "Yesterday the old _Frontenac_, under the care of R. Hamilton, Esq., left Kingston for Niagara, where, we understand, she is to be broken up. Mr. Hamilton is preparing materials for a new boat of about 350 tons."

We then gather from a _Loyalist_ of Sept. 29, 1827, that while lying at the wharf at Niagara, the _Frontenac_ was mischievously set fire to. The paper just named says: "The Messrs. Hamilton, proprietors of the Steamboat _Frontenac_, have offered a reward of 100 for the discovery of the persons who set fire to that vessel some time ago. The _Frontenac_, after being fired, was loosed from her moorings, and had drifted some distance into the Lake, when she was met by the _Niagara_, Capt. Mosier, who took her in tow, and succeeded in bringing her to the wharf at Niagara, where after some exertions the flames were extinguished."

This, as we suppose, terminates the history of the _Frontenac_, the first steamboat on Lake Ontario.

As a.s.sociated with Boulton & Watt's engine, spoken of above, we must mention the name of Mr. John Leys, for some years Capt. McKenzie's chief engineer on board the _Frontenac_. At the outset of steam navigation, men competent to superintend the working of the machinery of a steamboat were, of course, not numerous, and Captains were obliged in some degree to humour their chief engineer when they had secured the services of one. Capt. McKenzie, it would be said, was somewhat tyrannized over by Mr. Leys, who was a Scot, not very tractable; and the _Frontenac's_ movements, times of sailing, and so on, were very much governed by a will in the hold, independent of that of the ostensible Commander. Mr.

Leys, familiarly spoken of as Jock Leys, was long well known in York.

In July, 1827, the _Queenston_ was engaged in the transfer of troops.

In the _Loyalist_ of July 21, 1827, we read: "Detachments of the 68th Regiment for Amherstburg, under the command of Captain North; Fort George, Captain Melville; and Penetanguishene, Ensign Medley, were on board the _Queenston_, and proceeded on Tuesday last to their several destinations. On Thursday the _Queenston_ returned to York from Niagara, when the first division of the 70th Regiment embarked to proceed to Lower Canada." In her next trip the _Queenston_ brought more troops, and took more away. In the _Loyalist_ of the 28th of July we read: "The first division of the 68th Regiment for this Garrison arrived by the _Queenston_ on Tuesday, and on her return a second detachment of the 70th proceeded to Lower Canada. The exchanges are now we believe nearly completed," the _Loyalist_ adds. In the number for August 4, the _Queenston_ is once more spoken of as engaged in the conveyance of troops to and from York. "The head-quarter division of the 68th Regiment, under the command of Major Winniett, arrived on Tuesday morning, and on Thursday that of the 70th Regiment, under Lieut.-Colonel Evans, embarked on board the steamboat _Queenston_. During the short stay made by the 70th Regiment in this garrison," the _Loyalist_ says, "their conduct has been such as to secure to them the same kind feelings which have been expressed towards them by the inhabitants of the towns in both Provinces where they have at different times been stationed.

They are now on their return to their native country, after a long and honourable period of service in the Canadas, and they carry with them the best wishes of the inhabitants for their future welfare and prosperity." When thus announcing the departure of the 70th Regiment, the _Loyalist_ adds: "We cannot but notice with pleasure the arrival of so distinguished a corps as the 68th amongst us." The standing advertis.e.m.e.nt of the _Queenston_ for this year may be added: "Lake Ontario Steam-Boat Notice: The Public are informed that the Steam-Boat _Queenston_, Captain James Whitney, has commenced making her regular trips, and will during the summer leave the different Ports as follows: Leave Niagara for Kingston, Brockville, and Prescott, every Thursday morning at 8 o'clock precisely; and leave Prescott on her return for Brockville, Kingston and York, every Sunday, at 12 o'clock, noon.

Arrangements have been made with Messrs. Norton and Co., Stage Proprietors, Prescott, by which pa.s.sengers going down will arrive at Montreal on Sat.u.r.day evening; and pa.s.sengers proceeding upwards will, by leaving Montreal on Sat.u.r.day morning, arrive at Prescott in time to take the Boat. Every endeavour has been made to render the accommodation and fare on board of the best description. Queenston, May 25, 1827."

In a _Loyalist_ of this period we have a communication from Captain Richardson, of the _Canada_, giving an authentic account of the swamping of a small boat in the attempt to put a pa.s.senger on board his steamer in the Niagara river. This characteristic letter contains some excellent directions as to the proper method of boarding a steamer when under way.

"To the Editor of the _U. E. Loyalist_.--Sir, according to your request, and to prevent misrepresentation, I herewith furnish you with the particulars of the little accident that occurred to a Ferry Boat in Niagara River, in attempting to board the _Canada_. On Sat.u.r.day last as the _Canada_ pa.s.sed the lower ferry, coming out of Niagara river, a boat put off with a pa.s.senger, and contrary to the rule laid down to admit of no delays after the hour of departure, I ordered the engine to be stopped, to take the pa.s.senger on board. The Ferryman, instead of rowing to the gangway of the _Canada_, pulled the boat stem on to her bow before the water wheel. The vessel going through the water, all possibility of retreat from that position was precluded, and the inevitable swamping of the boat ensued. Fortunately the engine was entirely stopped: the Ferryman had the good luck to get hold of the wheel and ascend by it. The pa.s.senger, after pa.s.sing under it, clung to the floating skiff. No time was lost in going to his relief with the boats of the _Canada_, and both escaped uninjured. Any comment upon the impropriety of boarding a steam vessel before the water wheel would be absurd; but I may be allowed to advise this general rule to all persons going alongside of a steam vessel, viz.: always to board to leeward, never to attempt to cross her hawse, but to bring the boat's head round in the same direction with the vessel under way; row up on her lee quarter double oar's length distance, until abreast of the gangway; then gradually sheer alongside, keeping as much as possible in parallel line with the direction of the vessel you are boarding. I am, sir, your very obedient servant, Hugh Richardson, Master of the _Canada_."

A pa.s.sage from Captain Richardson's "Report on the Preservation and Improvement of the Harbour," to which in 1854 a supplementary or extra premium of 75 was awarded by the Harbour Commissioners, may be quoted as a further example of the neat employment of a sailor's technical language. (He is arguing against cutting a ca.n.a.l into the Harbour at the Carrying Place, where the great irruption of the waters of the lake subsequently took place.) "With wind at S. W., and stormy," he says, "(such a ca.n.a.l) would be valuable for exit, but for entrance from the east, every nautical man would prefer making a stretch out into the open Lake, weathering the Light at one long board, and rounding into the Harbour with a fair wind, to hauling through the Ca.n.a.l, coming in dead upon a lee sh.o.r.e, and having to beat up the Bay in short tacks." Some twenty years previously similar views had been expressed in a printed essay on York Harbour--a production in which, in his zeal for the well-being of the Bay, Captain Richardson said some hard things of the river Don, which we may here notice. The person who had uttered an imprecation on the North Pole, Sidney Smith p.r.o.nounced capable of speaking evil next even of the Equator. Of what enormity of language must not the dwellers by the stream which pours its tribute into the Harbour of York, have thought Captain Richardson capable, when they heard him in his haste call that respectable stream "a monster of ingrat.i.tude," "an insidious monster," "the destroying cancer of the Port?" "From the moment that the peninsula raised its protecting head above the waters, and screened the Don from the surges of the Lake, the Don," Captain Richardson says, "like a monster of ingrat.i.tude, has displayed such destructive industry as to displace by its alluvial disgorgings by far the greater part of the body of water originally enclosed by the peninsula. The whole of the marsh to the East, once deep and clear water, is," he a.s.serts, "the work of the Don, and in the Bay of York, where now its destructive mouths are turned, vegetation shews itself in almost every direction, prognosticating" as he speaks, "the approaching conversion of this beautiful sheet of water into another marshy delta of the Don." Fothergill, too, in an address to the Electors of the County of Durham, in 1826, indulges in a fling at the river which pays its tribute to the Harbour of York. After quoting some strong words of the elder Pitt in the British House of Commons on the subject of public robbery and national plunder, he adds: "Perhaps the very quoting of such language will be deemed treasonable within the pestilential range of the vapours of the marsh of the great Don, and of the city of many waters," meaning York, the head-quarters of the Government. "But the Don, the poor unconscious object of all this invective, is in reality no more to blame than is the savage because he is a savage, not having had a chance to be anything else. In proceeding to lay the foundation of a delta of solid land at its mouth, the Don followed the precedent of other streams, in conformity with the physical conditions of its situation. When at length the proper hour arrived, and the right men appeared, possessed of the intelligence, the vigour and the wealth equal to the task of bettering nature by art on a considerable scale, then at once the true value and capabilities of the Don were brought out into view. Speedily then were its channel and outlet put to their proper and foreordained use, being transformed by means of cribwork and embankments into a convenient interior harbour for Toronto, an arrangement of high importance to the interests of a now populous quarter, where some of the most striking developments of business activity and manufacturing enterprise that the capital of Ontario can boast of, have been witnessed."